What cake mix to use for banana bread?

The best choice is a yellow cake mix , thanks to its buttery flavor and moist texture that pairs perfectly with ripe bananas. You can also use white cake mix for a lighter flavor or spice cake mix if you want warm, autumn vibes. Avoid chocolate or overly sweet cake mixes — they can overpower the banana.

Can I add bananas to box cake mix?

Absolutely! That’s the heart of cake mix banana bread . Use about 1¼ cups of mashed bananas (roughly 3 ripe bananas) per standard box of cake mix. Just mash and stir them in with the wet ingredients before baking. Bonus: Bananas also act as a natural sweetener and moisture booster, reducing the need for added sugar or oil.

What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?

Overmixing the batter is the biggest culprit. Stirring too much activates the gluten in the mix, making your banana bread with cake mix tough or gummy. Always mix just until combined — a few lumps are okay!

What's the secret to good banana bread?

It’s all about ripe bananas, not overmixing, and the right baking time . Using bananas with plenty of brown spots ensures flavor and moisture. Test with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark and cool fully before slicing for best texture.

Can bananas replace eggs in cake mix?

Yes! Use ¼ cup mashed banana per egg . This works especially well in cake mix banana bread , since banana is already a featured flavor. Expect a slightly denser texture, but it’ll still be moist and delicious.

Why is my banana cake so moist?

That’s usually due to overripe bananas or too much moisture (like extra oil or eggs). If it’s too moist, reduce the banana quantity slightly or bake a few extra minutes. Always test with a toothpick before pulling it from the oven. For more tips on texture, check out our fluffy bake guide: Almond Cake Recipes (Moist)

Cake Mix Banana Bread – The Best 9-Step Guide to Moist & Easy Baking

Name: Cake Mix Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (about 1¼ cups mashed); 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional); ½ to 1 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans (optional)

Description

This easy cake mix banana bread is moist, delicious, and foolproof. Perfect for using up ripe bananas with minimal effort — a quick, crowd-pleasing treat!

Ingredients

Scale

3 ripe bananas (about 1¼ cups mashed)
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
½ to 1 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
Add the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla to the bananas. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.
Fold in optional chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon, if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.
To freeze, wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag.
Yellow cake mix is the best choice for classic flavor, but white or spice cake mixes also work beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Desserts, Breakfast, Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cake mix banana bread, banana bread with cake mix, easy banana bread, quick banana bread, moist banana bread, banana loaf, ripe banana recipes